Researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study how the brain adapts to the use of 3D-printed prosthetic limbs.
They are now searching for 40 children between the ages of 3-17 with upper limb differences due to Amniotic Band Syndrome or other congenital differences to participate in this study and would love to hear from you if you and your child would like to be a part of this research!
Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., associate professor of biomechanics and Brian Knarr, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomechanics at UNO, are co-principal investigators on the study. This NIH Research Project Grant (R01) will fund research into changes in neural activity in children following regular usage of a 3D-printed prosthetic arm.
“Essentially what we’ll do with this research study is to try and look at their brain and see how the brain of young children adapt to the use of our prosthesis,” Zuniga said.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jorge M. Zuniga is a founding member of e-NABLE and his team created the Cyborg Beast.
They Plan to Start the Study in April.
The study builds on past research in which Zuniga partnered with fellow academics from across the University of Nebraska system to design and produce 3D-printable prosthetic arms. While a typical prosthetic limb could cost anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000, a 3D-printed prosthesis for children can be printed and constructed for as little as $50, or the cost of materials.
“What we do here is basically provide child-friendly prosthetic devices to children that are born without a limb or lose a limb due to an accident,” Zuniga said. As children outgrow or damage a prosthesis, new arms and replacement parts can be printed – compounding savings as a child grows and ensuring that cost is never a barrier to helping a child feel a sense of normalcy.
Who Qualifies for the Study?
• Children from 3 to 17 years of age with a congenital upper limb reductions of the hand (partial hand) or arm (trans-radial.)
• Children with limb differences who are free from skin abrasion and musculoskeletal injuries in the upper limbs.
• Children with normal upper limb function to be able to perform the tests and compare with other participants in the group.
• Children who can travel to the University from any domestic destinations.
What Will the Participants in this Study be doing?
• The participating child and a parent will visit the laboratory in Omaha, Nebraska in two occasions separated by an 8-week period.
• During the laboratory visits Jorge and his team will provide one of the 3D printed prosthesis for the child to keep.
• The child will be asked to do several games, such as moving blocks or toys as they wear a cap with sensors so the team can measure their brain activity.
• The team will also take several measurements of the arms.
• During the 8-week period between visits, the child will be asked to perform several games to practice using the prosthesis.
What Will Be Provided for Participants and Their families?
• The team will provide the prosthesis at no cost.
• Travel arrangements, transportation, and hotel accommodations from any domestic destination are covered.
• There is also a small stipend that will be provided for their participation in the study.
How Do We Sign Up and Get More Information?
To participate in this study or to find out more information, please email Jorge Zuniga at: jmzuniga@unomaha.edu
Thank you for helping us expand our research and improve these designs for children all over the world!
